Guitar concert in Sackets Harbor, NY

It is two minutes before midnight on March 21, 2015. It is 26 degrees here in Chaumont, NY. I played a some what private party for the people of Sackets Harbor this evening from 7-9:00. It was sponsored by the Sackets Harbor Historical Society. Essentially it was open to the public but they only spread the word about it locally. So that village resident might have something to do, some event within walking distance. It took place in an historic old stone building close to the marina. About 40 people attended. The room I p;ayed in was set up like a cafe. Small cloth laden tables with candles. The visitors got their drinks which ranged from coffee and tea to wine and beer. I then set about playing for 45 minutes. I offered some anecdotes and odds and ends of information between songs. They were silent and attentive during the playing of the pieces. Close scrutiny. It's the type of scene that stage fright blossoms in. But for the past year I have been exposing myself more and more to these type of situations, so I handled this one well. But here is the thing: For the past year I have put together a 45 minute set that I can get through quite handily. Tonight however, I was required to fill two hours. That's a lot of time to entertaing and hold a groups attention. But I did with plenty of songs to spare that I did not play. Over all I enjoyed it. At one point early on I broke into a slight sweat, feeling one bead of perspiration form on my forehead and roll down my face. During the second set (after a 15 minute or so break) I had a minor bit of hand shaking. This was nothing compared to years ago and even a couple years ago when my hands would shake so that I spilled wine out of my glass and I would sweat so that my hair would get wet and my eyes would burn. I almost miss that. When I was younger and did not know how to swim I had a real fear of the water. I eventually over came that and finally, this late in my life I am working to overcome stage fright. On another note the Better Half has been on vacation with her daughter No. 2 and her family in Myrtle Beach. They return tomorrow. That will be nice. It was fine having some time alone, but I got lonely. I squandered a lot of my time that I was hoping to capitalize on without the distraction of the Better Half being in my presence. But, what is one to do? Anyway, I welcome her return.

This is a panorama photo made with the iPhone5. It's the remnants of a snowbank on a Syracuse sidewalk.  Photo bt gary walts.